Blue Willow

Willow is a distinctive pattern used on porcelain and other ceramic dinnerware and kitchenware pieces. It was designed by Thomas Minton in 1780 and loosely based on blue and white Chinese porcelain, which was very expensive during this period. During the 19th century the pattern was copied Royal Worcester, Spode, Adams, Wedgwood, Davenport, and others. In the twentieth century the pattern was copied by American and Japanese companies. It is often said the pattern is based on a Chinese legend of two lovers. Irrespective of the manufacturer, it has common Chinese motifs of a temple, a bridge, a distant island, a willow tree, and two birds in flight, their beaks kissing in mid-air. Although commonly called "Blue Willow," it is more properly called the Willow Pattern as it comes in pink and other colors.